National Games 2025: The recently concluded 38th National Games in Uttarakhand saw athletes from across India showcasing their talent on the biggest national stage. As a token of appreciation for their outstanding performances, several states have announced lucrative cash prizes and job opportunities for their medal-winning athletes. From Uttarakhand’s record-breaking incentives to Meghalaya’s job assurances, here’s a breakdown of the rewards announced by various states.
National Games 2025: Indian States Shower Cash Prizes & Jobs on Medal-Winning Athletes
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Jharkhand’s Rs 1.65 Crore Prize Pool for Medalists
Jharkhand has set aside a total of Rs 1.65 crore to reward its 25 National Games medalists. Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated the athletes and instructed the sports department to allocate the funds. The state bagged 7 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze medals, with standout performances in lawn ball and archery. A felicitation ceremony will be held this month to distribute the prizes to the athletes.
Uttarakhand’s Unmatched Rewards – Rs 12 Lakh for Gold
The host state, Uttarakhand, has outdone other states by announcing the highest prize money. Gold medalists will receive Rs 12 lakh, silver medalists Rs 8 lakh, and bronze medalists Rs 6 lakh. With a total of 103 medals (24 gold, 35 silver, and 44 bronze), Uttarakhand has not only rewarded its athletes generously but also made a strong statement in the sporting world.
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh Also Offer Hefty Cash Prizes
Odisha has rolled out impressive rewards, offering Rs 6 lakh for each gold medal, Rs 4 lakh for silver, and Rs 3 lakh for bronze. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh announced Rs 5 lakh for gold, Rs 3.2 lakh for silver, and Rs 2.4 lakh for bronze. Madhya Pradesh secured 82 medals in total, comprising 34 gold, 26 silver, and 22 bronze medals, making it one of the top-performing states in the competition.
Meghalaya Ensures Job Security for Medalists
Apart from cash prizes, Meghalaya has taken a unique approach by offering government jobs to its National Games medalists. The government will also provide scholarships and additional incentives in line with its sports policy, ensuring long-term support for athletes pursuing sports as a career.
Haryana’s Structured Reward Scheme
Haryana continues to uphold its reputation as a sports powerhouse by running a structured cash award scheme for national-level medalists. Gold medalists receive Rs 25,000, silver medalists Rs 15,000, and bronze medalists Rs 10,000. Haryana’s athletes excelled in the National Games, winning a total of 153 medals, including 48 gold, 47 silver, and 58 bronze.
A Golden Era for Indian Athletes
The post-National Games incentives from various states reflect India’s growing commitment to sports. By offering substantial financial rewards and job security, state governments are motivating athletes to pursue their passion with confidence. These incentives not only recognize the hard work of medalists but also encourage the next generation of sports talent to aim for glory. With such strong backing, Indian sports seem poised for a brighter and more promising future.
